In the West, it is frequently the case that instructors offer classes via their ‘Yoga and Pilates studio’. In other words, many people see the two disciplines as similar, and even interchangeable. While there are some similarities between Yoga and Pilates, there are some fundamental differences as well. Let us see how Yoga and Pilates are different and similar at the same time.
What is Yoga?
As we know, yoga refers to a set of lifestyle practices that encompass not just physical but also the mental and spiritual aspects of life. While in modern times, yoga has come to mean certain physical fitness postures and relaxation techniques, yoga is much more than this. Yogic practices find mention in ancient texts such as the Rig Veda as well as the Upanishads.
Yoga consists of a whole system of health that speaks about embracing the correct attitudes in life, eating right, developing a good posture, and a fit, flexible body. Achieving a meditative state and finding inner peace and ultimately achieving salvation are the aims of yoga. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali dating back nearly 2000 years, speak about these various aspects of wellness. Concepts such as Hatha Yoga were developed about 1000 years ago.
What is Pilates?
Joseph Pilates was a German physical trainer, writer, and inventor who developed the method of physical fitness that we know today as Pilates. Pilates developed around 50 specific exercises designed to exert the muscles of the body and called it ‘Contrology’. He had poor health while growing up and resolved to overcome his health issues. He was inspired by yoga and the martial arts.
Much of the work of developing his exercises was done while he was being held captive during World War I. During his four years there, he worked with other inmates and injured soldiers to develop these exercises. The idea was to cure ill health, and to improve balance and strength. Various different types of apparatus are used in Pilates, such as springs, sliding platforms, pulleys, rings, chairs, ropes and other resistance machines called ‘reformers’.
Similarities between Yoga and Pilates
There are undoubtedly some similarities between Pilates and Yoga. Both are mind-body systems that work to enhance overall wellness and fitness. Both place a great deal of emphasis on breath work or breathing techniques. It is also true that both systems target the core of the body, and aim to increase strength and flexibility, posture and balance, often using the body itself to create resistance.
Differences between Yoga and Pilates
Whereas yoga has its roots in ancient times and various sages propounded the principles of Yoga, Pilates is a more modern phenomenon developed by one man. Yoga’s history literally dates back thousands of years, and it is in a sense received wisdom that we now reap the benefits of.
While Yoga is a more flexible discipline that can be tailored to the requirements of different people based on age, fitness etc, Pilates is less so. Yoga postures are considered to be gentler and more mindful on the whole. However, many forms of Yoga are now more strenuous and demanding. Whereas we work the whole body to perform certain poses or asanas in Yoga, Pilates uses more constant movement.
Pilates routinely uses a lot of different specially designed equipment to assist in the exercises. This includes items such as the foam roller, Pilates ball, ankle weights, arc barrel, resistance bands, and so on. While we do use some equipment in yoga occasionally, most of the regularly performed yoga postures do not require any apparatus.
While Pilates is also a mind-body system, Yoga is a whole lot more. It is a prescription for life in a sense. We learn about the importance of empathy, self-control, detachment, emotional well being, and work towards these goals. Hence you could say that Pilates is a series of exercise whereas Yoga is a prescription for life itself!